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The Milk Hours: A Poetic Exploration of the Intimate and Surreal Journey of New Motherhood

Carlos Drummond

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In her captivating debut poetry collection, The Milk Hours, John James offers a raw and unflinching glimpse into the enigmatic and transformative world of new motherhood.

Through a series of vivid and evocative poems, James navigates the nocturnal landscapes of sleepless nights and breastfeeding sessions, capturing the intimate and often surreal experiences that define this extraordinary time.

The Milk Hours: Poems

by John James

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1655 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	74 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

A Symphony of the Night

With the arrival of her newborn, the poet's world is plunged into a realm of darkness and disorientation. Sleep becomes a precious commodity, and the night hours take on a heightened intensity.

In the poem "Nocturne," James writes:

The night, a vast cathedral, Whispers secrets to my soul. The clock, a metronome, Marks the rhythm of my exhausted toll.

With each passing night, James's connection to her newborn deepens, forging an unbreakable bond that transcends the boundaries of day and night.

The Alchemy of Milk

At the heart of The Milk Hours is the transformative power of breast milk. James explores its nourishment, both physical and emotional, and the profound connection it creates between mother and child.

In "The Milk Line," she describes:

The milk line, a lifeline, From breast to baby's hungry cry. A river of love, That courses through me, never dry.

As the milk flows, so does a torrent of memories, dreams, and fears. Through the act of breastfeeding, James unravels the complexities of her own identity as a woman, a mother, and an artist.

A Surreal Tapestry

Beyond the intimate confines of the nursery, The Milk Hours also delves into the surreal landscape of motherhood. James captures the distorted perceptions, fragmented thoughts, and vivid imagery that accompany this transformative period.

In "The Dream Thief," she writes:

A thief in the night, Steals my dreams away. Leaves me with fragments, Scattered like fallen stars.

Throughout the collection, James juxtaposes the mundane and the extraordinary, creating a rich and unsettling tapestry that reflects the paradoxical nature of motherhood.

A Poetic Legacy

The Milk Hours is more than just a personal narrative; it is a universal exploration of the transformative journey of motherhood. James's raw and honest voice resonates with all who have experienced the profound joys and challenges of nurturing a new life.

Through her evocative imagery, lyrical language, and unflinching honesty, James invites readers to embark on a literary adventure that will forever alter their perceptions of motherhood and the power of poetry.

Free Download your copy of The Milk Hours today and immerse yourself in the nocturnal world of new motherhood.

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